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Crate sizing

Hey Folks,

As I am shopping for my new pup, I have been looking at crates too and I noticed that some people really prefer to give their pups the minimal amount of space necessary as this is supposedly safer. However, it seems really uncomfortable to me.

Looking online at crate sizing reccomendations, most say that there should be plenty of room to move about and additional height above the dogs head. Not a toy dog in an XL crate but some headway anyway.

I had always heard it had to do with helping to control their use of the bathroom as much as other things. Too much space will allow them to do their business in the crate and not be in their bed. A dog typically does not want to soil where they sleep. By limiting them to the smaller space it is helping them to try and hold it more. You still want to have the clearance for them to stand up and turn around.

Not sure how old your pup is, or if you have it potty trained. But generally you want a small kennel to put the Pup in when you first bring it home gives it a place of security and a place to sleep and as they dont like relieving themselves in there nesting space aides in potty training. Then buy a larger kennel when they get older, kennels have size and weight charts to help you choose. All 4 of my labs weighing under 80 lbs. have large kennels.

You can also purchase or make a divider for an adult crate to make the space smaller. They grow so fast and generally potty train in a few weeks this might save some money. I did that with my last lab.